☆Protective effects of ginseng on memory and learning and prevention of hippocampal oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's in a rat model

Abstract

Background

In the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, the free radicals and Brain cholinergic system function, play a key role. The antioxidant compounds may well be effective in improving this disease. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of ginseng on the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease in a rat model.

Methods

56 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) Alzheimer’s without treatment, (3) Alzheimer’s under post-treatment (ginseng, 200 mg/kg/day) for three weeks, and (4) Alzheimer's under pre and post-treatment from one week before induction of Alzheimer's to three weeks after that. To induce Alzheimer's disease 1.5 mg/kg of streptozotocin was injected into both lateral ventricles of the brain. Three weeks after induction, the rats' behavioral tests were applied in all groups. Glutathione peroxidase, Glutathione reductase, Total antioxidant capacity, Malondialdehyde, and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor were measured using commercial kits. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test.

Results

Learning and memory, antioxidant defenses, and BDNF showed a significant decrease after the onset of Alzheimer's induction compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Pre and post-treatment of the Alzheimer animals with ginseng significantly improved their learning and memory, antioxidant defenses, and BDNF levels (p < 0.05) compared with the Alzheimer animals without treatment.

Conclusion

Based on our results, pre and post-treatment with ginseng have protective effects against Alzheimer -induced learning and memory impairment. The effects of ginseng may be mediated through an increase in BDNF and antioxidants levels in the hippocampus region of the brain.